University of Maine at Presque Isle hosts 105th Commencement
Two hundred and thirteen students graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Saturday, May 17, during the 2014 Commencement Exercises – the University’s 105th Commencement ceremony. President Linda Schott conferred degrees for the 2013-2014 academic year upon 138 students who participated in the ceremony held in Wieden Gymnasium.
Ellis Paul, the nationally acclaimed folk singer-songwriter, addressed the graduates as this year’s commencement speaker and also offered up a very special musical presentation. During the graduation event, he was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.
During UMPI’s commencement exercises, University of Maine System Board of Trustees Chair Samuel W. Collins delivered greetings. Stephen D. Richard, UMPI Board of Visitors Chair, William A. Breton, UMPI Faculty Assembly Chair, and Joshua C. MacKinnon, President of the Class of 2014, offered remarks on behalf of each organization, respectively.
This year’s Commencement was live streamed on the University’s website so family and friends who couldn’t attend would have the opportunity to see the Class of 2014 graduate. Viewers from around the world were expected to tune in for the ceremony.
Missed the graduation ceremony? Watch it here!
Another special component of this year’s event was the first-ever pinning of all marching graduates with a special symbol of campus. Each graduate was given a lapel pin depicting a snowy owl with its wings outstretched in flight. Meant to symbolize how each of them is spreading their wings and soaring on to great heights, graduates were asked “Where will your wings take you?” They will have the opportunity to share their stories—about contributions they make in their career fields, ways that they serve their communities, and adventures that they have around the world—on a new website that has been created, www.umpi.edu/yourwings. All alums, not just this year’s graduating class are encouraged to add their stories on this site.
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